Sunday, July 24, 2011

One step left!

The quilting part is done! I used knot quilting (which is a term I just made up) since it seemed easier and faster to me.

So there's just a knot at every corner. Easy, yes. Fast, well, not exactly. But it's also kind of boring and repetitive, so I wasn't exactly working my hardest.

All I have left now is the binding. Any suggestions? I could make a binding out of the leftover backing if there's enough of that. Or I could use the satin blanket binding, but that seems a little shiny for denim. It's also expensive. What would you use?

Friday, July 22, 2011

Secret sewing

Sorry for the lack of progress. I'm currently working on a secret project which I can't post about yet. I highly doubt the recipient reads my blog, but better safe than sorry! This project has come to a standstill because the next step is ironing. And when it's this hot out, I delay ironing. Sometimes on warm days I iron outside, but not when it's this warm. Standing outside in a heat index of 113 with steam and heat coming up into your face? No, thank you! I spent an hour at the pool sitting in the shade this morning while J swam laps, and that was bad enough. Even at 9am, the heat index was 107.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Knit Dresses!

This post is all about knit dresses and knit fabrics! I love knit dresses, and I would like to make more of them. However, I currently own no knit dress patterns, and I have no good source for knit fabrics. I own two knit fabrics, which you can see pictures of here, but both of them are heavier weight and probably better suited for winter.

So, from all the sewists and seamstresses out there who have far more experience than I do, what are your favorite sources for knits? Particularly cheap knits? What are your favorite patterns? (I'm looking for both summer and winter patterns.) What are things that I should probably know, but I probably don't? Either post a comment, or, if you have a lot to say, I've tried to set up a linky.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Actual Quilting

I've started the actual quilting of my quilt. Finally! After looking up tips on how to pin it smoothly and flatly, I'm pretty sure I have been constructing this quilt all out of order. Luckily I'm not much of a perfectionist! The next quilt will probably go much more easily.

Also, I'm looking for binding tips! Blanket binding seems a little too shimmery for putting next to denim, and it adds up fast. Should I make my own binding out of leftover flannel? Or do something else entirely?

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Alteration!

About a week ago, I was shopping at Ross and I found a purple and black leopard print dress. So fun! However, it didn't fit at all:
You know the way when you're shopping, sometimes pieces of clothing call out to you? For me, these are usually things that don't fit. This dress called out to me. However, unlike all the fitted blazers and shoes and other things that are totally unalterable (at least by me), this dress had a seam up each side and no fastenings to mess with. Two quick seams later, here's what I have:

Funny story about this dress: I texted a friend to tell her about it. She texted back, "Really??" I texted back, "Yes, really--do you disapprove?" Her response? "No, I'm just surprised. It sounds like the kind of thing your aunt would buy you and you would never wear!" It's certainly true that my aunt's sense of style is a little more out there than mine in, but I guess she's rubbing off on me!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy fourth!

Happy fourth of July, everyone! I have been doing a little bit of sewing, but not as much as I would like to. I have a job now, and while I am truly thankful for this job, it does take up time and wear me out. I have an alteration to show you all, and I really should get around to finishing that quilt!! It's been way too long.

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